[Genealib] Declining use of collection

[Susan Scouras]

Thanks for the Amen!  The West Virginia Archives and History Library has
always prided itself on the type of service you describe, and we are
making a greater effort to directly promote ourself on this basis.  I
envy all of you who have described your excellent volunteers.  We just
can't seem to get a consistent volunteer program going.  We have a few
top notch individuals, but even they are not able to offer consistent
year-round assistance.  

I hope I didn't give the impression that all of our student patrons are
as unprepared and reluctant to work as the worst case scenario I
described, but I really do think the percentage of students who are
clueless has increased.  

Susan Scouras
Librarian
WV Archives and History Library
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV  25305-0300
(304) 558-0230, Ext. 742
 


-----Original Message-----
From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Larry
Naukam
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 12:54 PM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] Declining use of collection
Importance: Low


I do have to say AMEN to Susan Scouras' writing about unprepared or
unwilling patrons, who don't have a clue. Bravo!

That being said, our stats have gone up 6 times what they were a few
years ago, even with the online censuses and digitizing some of our
collection. It seems that the fact we work hard, give personalized
service, and go the extra mile for patrons is very much appreciated.
Even the students who are as Susan has described them, are very willing
to work once we show them the tools. Also, we have had volunteer docents
from the local genealogical society for the last three years, a program
that has gone over very well.

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